By Dexerto | Created at 2026-08-28 21:12:00 | Updated at 2026-09-18 18:44:23
3 weeks ago
An indie developer received an outpouring of support after thieves stole multiple laptops from booths at Gamescom, bringing his time at the event to an abrupt end.
Solo developer Ryan Laley was attending Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, to showcase Mimic, his upcoming asymmetrical multiplayer horror game.
However, Laley returned to the show floor on August 28 to discover that laptops belonging to him and other exhibitors had been stolen overnight.
“My Gamescom is over early as all our laptops have been stolen,” he said in a tearful, emotional video posted on X.
“Our booth got raided last night, not just mine, others as well. As an indie solo dev, this sh*t’s expensive and hard to do by yourself. To have this happen is beyond frustrating. It’s heartbreaking.
My #gamescom cut short. Our equipment was stolen last night from the booth.
Police reports have been filed.
At a loss for words to describe the feeling. Just defeated. Gonna do my best with what's left of the week.
But a huge blow financially and mentally pic.twitter.com/dKpp3Of6df
— Mimic | Ryan Laley (@RyanLaley) August 28, 2026
“We reported it to police. I don’t expect it to be found. I don’t know what to do now.”
In a separate Reddit post, Laley said six laptops were stolen from the same booth after hours, including his brand-new Alienware laptop. The chargers were reportedly left behind.
Indie Game Joe and Cyberpunk 2077 offer to replace stolen equipment
After the story began spreading online, YouTuber Indie Game Joe offered to cover the cost of Laley’s replacement equipment.
“I’d love to fund you a new laptop, no strings attached or anything like that,” he wrote. “I’d love to replace your equipment. I’m going to try to rally support for you.”
Hey Ryan, I am so sorry man. Stealing from an indie dev booth at Gamescom is the lowest of the low. I am so upset and angry for you
I’d love to help fund replacement equipment and support however I can. We'll get this sorted for you❤️ https://t.co/o0J1b6fc2p pic.twitter.com/wfAjRBa4i4
— Indie Game Joe (@IndieGameJoe) August 28, 2026
Laley later confirmed that Joe had donated enough money to replace the stolen hardware.
“Huge shout-out and thanks to IndieGameJoe who kindly donated the money to replace my stolen hardware,” he said, calling the YouTuber a “champion for the little guys.”
Thank you everyone so much for your support and love, I'm trying to say thanks to everyone but honestly my fingers aren't fast enough.
Huge shout-out and thanks to @IndieGameJoe who kindly donated the money to replace my stolen hardware. He truly is a champion for the little…
— Mimic | Ryan Laley (@RyanLaley) August 28, 2026
CD Projekt Red also joined the wave of support through the official Cyberpunk 2077 account.
“We’ll check the Arasaka hardware archives and see if we can send a few things your way,” it said. “No choom should have to start from zero.”
Thank you so much! Definitely felt the love from everyone today
— Mimic | Ryan Laley (@RyanLaley) August 28, 2026
Other players responded by wishlisting Mimic on Steam, where it is currently scheduled to launch on October 26, 2026.
The response marks another wholesome moment for the indie scene, just weeks after a Japanese developer added support for the only Steam user who wishlisted his game in their country.
